I have had the privilege of knowing Ramkumar for the last 4 decades. I have observed a remarkable transformation from a successful businessman to a dedicated philanthropist, social worker, spiritual seeker and leadership developer. In today’s commercial world it is rare to find someone who at a relatively young age relinquish the pursuit of wealth and status to focus on serving others, Ramkumar’s selfless journey is inspiring.
Managing Director
Afcons Infrastructure Limited
Most organizational transformation fails because leaders are conditioned to their old patterns.
But what creates these destructive reflexes?
Unexamined Body-Mind-Intellect conditioning and lack of awareness.
And what determines whether leaders respond from wisdom or react impulsively?
Their connection to their Svadharma—their authentic purpose.
So, how do you develop leaders who turn challenges into conscious opportunities?
S. Ramkumar’s life reflects that true success lies not merely in professional achievements but in living with compassion, values, and service to others. An ethical entrepreneur, he built a thriving business while upholding fairness, respect for employees, and care for the underprivileged. At the peak of his career, he chose to dedicate himself fully to spirituality and social service through the Theosophical Society, Ramakrishna Mutt, and other organizations. His life stands as a living example of truth, harmony, charity, and selfless giving—an inspiring model of contentment and purposeful living.
Former Joint Managing Director at BGR
I am an Electrical and Electronics engineer, graduated in 1981 from Annamalai university. Back in 1984, I had what most people would call a "safe" corporate job at a prestigious MNC in Mumbai. Good salary, promising career path, everything laid out perfectly. Then I witnessed something that would change my entire life trajectory.
A section of workers were literally risking their lives every single day without any safety gear, operating in pure survival mode just to secure their next meal. Management had decided that worker safety was "too expensive" and everyone else was playing it safe, staying silent to protect their own positions.
So I went ahead and spent my own money buying safety shoes for those workers who were working in a hazardous environment and supported their complaints about unsafe conditions. I chose their safety over my security.
The backlash was immediate. I was forced to resign (for doing what was right) and that’s how I found myself on a train back to Chennai with nothing –no job, savings, or backup plan.
I didn't know it at the time, but I was developing a values-first leadership philosophy that would guide every major decision for the next four decades.
The thing is, during those uncertain months, I realized that when you lose everything for the right reasons, you don't actually lose —you find out who you really are and what you're truly capable of.
Since then, I've built multiple successful businesses from literally nothing, starting with an initial bill of Rs 250/- insulation resistance testing of switchgear and cables to electrical maintenance of Bata showrooms in Chennai to site preparation for main frame computers, to executing major corporate interior turnkey projects pan India - from conceptualization to design to complete execution.
From installing First computers (ALPMS) in Chennai banks, to conducting instrumentation for the first ever enclosed life boat fire test in India (to be used in oil carrying tankers) to becoming a full-fledged interior design turnkey contractor for big giants like Siemens, SRF polymers, Jet airways, ICFAI, Apollo Hospitals, Volkswagen, leading banks, Amrutanjan, Petrofac, and the list goes on.
Satisfied goals do not motivate people. So, I closed my business and joined Honorary roles in the Theosophical Society and Ramakrishna Math in 2010. Over the last 3 years I have been conducting a series of monthly talks in the Theosophical Society under the caption, “Wisdom for Living.” The link for that series of talks is here.
Between 2010-2025, I immersed myself in volunteering with Ramakrishna Math and the Theosophical Society, an experience that profoundly shaped my spiritual journey and brought me to where I am today.
Today, I guide entrepreneurs and business leaders to master the art of Lotus Life Leadership, where Body, Mind, and Intellect work in harmony to create ventures rooted in principles, ideals and purpose. By aligning your inner truth with your outer expression, we build businesses and careers that deliver both meaningful impact and sustainable growth, demonstrating that values-driven leadership is the ultimate competitive advantage.
And as a speaker, so far, I have delivered transformative talks on spirituality, leadership, stress management, and entrepreneurship at leading institutions including IIT Madras, Annamalai University Engineering and Technology, Annamalai Alumni Business Network, Theosophical Society Coimbatore & Cuttack and Theosophical Society HQ, blending practical insight with deeper spiritual alignment.
But that’s not the full story..
I’ve been fortunate to be featured in several media outlets, including Frozen Thoughts, Infinithoughts, Wake Up India, The Theosophist, and the AUETAA Newsletter.
Honestly, I dedicate all of these achievements to one simple ideology: whether I’m holding space for 1, 10, or 1,000 people, each event is the most important of my career—because I am passionate about transforming an individual’s inner and outer chaos into spiritual strength and abundant living.
One successful entrepreneur recently said, "Ramkumar S is the person who shows you that true success goes beyond career achievements – While many equate success with business, academics, or arts, Ramkumar’s life shows that real success is about living with compassion, values, and service to others.
And a corporate executive told me, “You embody qualities like truthfulness, harmony, charity, duty towards others, and detachment, finding fulfillment in giving rather than accumulating—making you a true role model of success and contentment.”
Transform your inner storms
into purpose and shared growth.
I have had the privilege of knowing Ramkumar for a while. I have observed a remarkable transformation from a successful businessman to a dedicated philanthropist, social worker, spiritual seeker and leadership developer. In today’s commercial world it is rare to find someone who at a relatively young age relinquish the pursuit of wealth and status to focus on serving others, Ramkumar’s selfless journey is inspiring.
Former Vice President of the Theosophical Society
We but mirror the world. All the tendencies present in the outer world are to be found in the world of our body. If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. This is the divine mystery supreme. A wonderful thing it is and the source of our happiness. We need not wait to see what others do.
- Mahatma Gandhi
Ramkumar has been a wonderful friend for nearly 2 decades. He has an excellent sense for wit and humour and can light up any dull moment. He is well read. And overall he is a great person, kind and compassionate.
Just as the lotus blooms untouched by muddy waters, true leadership emerges from inner clarity. Discover how mindful keynotes, consulting, and wisdom-based training sessions can help you rise above challenges and guide your both personal and professional journey toward success and fulfillment.